THE WINDLASS CROSSBOW (ARBALETE À CRANEQUIN).
This bow is furnished with double cordage and a set of pulleys near the bottom of the stock, and another set placed just below the bowstring; strong cords run along the pulleys, and these are drawn taut by a small detachable windlass, which is adjustable to the bottom end of the stock, while hooks connected with the top pulleys grasp the bowstring. As soon as the bow has been bent by the action of the windlass, the tackle is removed. The top end of the stock is furnished with an iron stirrup, through which the archer thrusts his foot in order to obtain the necessary purchase for bending the bow. This type of bow was used at Agincourt, and it was greatly depended on in the defence of beleaguered places. It was also called “Arbalete à tour,” because the part to be fixed to the stock was often embattled like a tower, and the windlass was named “la clef” or “cranequin.” This bow has a much longer catch than the “goatsfoot.”